The Tame Valley Mountain Bike Trails

The Tame Valley Mountain Bike Trails

The Tame Valley Loop circles Stalybridge and Mossley in East Manchester, on the edge of the Peak District. It was built by Tameside Council with the Tame Valley Mountain Bike Association, Cycling UK and British Cycling, and is made up of 3 signed loops: an 18-mile advanced route, a 10-mile intermediate route and a 3.5-mile family route. There is also a network of tracks and bridleways suited to a gravel bike, including a link onto the Pennine Bridleway.

Advanced Route, 18 miles, 1900 feet ascent

• A hilly ride with a good variety of scenery and trails. Technical sections include tough climbs, descents and rocky bridleways, so it is not suitable for inexperienced riders.
• The route gives stunning views over Cheshire, Manchester and Saddleworth on the edge of the Peak District. It is versatile: reduce or extend it to take in Saddleworth, and there are plenty of good starting points if you want to plan your own ride.
• It connects to established routes including the Tintwistle Moor Fun MTB Route and the Diggle Jiggle, via the Pennine Bridleway.

Intermediate Route, 10 miles, 1200 feet ascent

• A shorter route with less demanding off-road sections than the full Advanced loop.

Family Route, 3.5 miles (out and back)

• A flat, traffic-free out and back ride on an off-road multi-use trail. Open to walkers, horse riders and cyclists.

Gravel Riding

The Family Route is a flat, off-road multi-use trail that works well on a gravel bike, and the tracks and bridleways linking the three loops give more mileage on hardpack and stone surfaces if you want to build a longer ride. The loop also connects onto the Pennine Bridleway, part of the Great North Trail, for riders looking to extend further afield.

Local Organisation

• The Advanced and Intermediate routes must be ridden anti-clockwise because of a one-way arrangement at Gorse Hall. The Family route can be ridden in either direction. All three are open to walkers, horse riders and cyclists.
• Tame Valley Mountain Bike Association is a constituted volunteer group based in Tameside that supports off-road cycling in the area and organises group rides and maintenance days. Find them on Facebook. The loop was developed with support from the Pennine Mountain Bike Association, Cycling UK and British Cycling.

Getting Here

• New Stalybridge Labour Club, Acres Lane, Stalybridge, SK15 2JR is a well-used starting point with parking.
• The Advanced route also starts from Stalybridge town centre, and Stalybridge Country Park is another recognised access point on the network.
• Stalybridge railway station has regular services from Manchester and sits close to the start of the loop if you are arriving by train.
• Route maps and GPX files for all three loops are available from Tameside Council.

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